Unconscious Racial Bias Among Physicians and Its Impact on Adherence to Vascular Care Guidelines

By
Erika T. Beidelman
Brian Witrick
Kerry A. Howard
Ashley Clark
Katharine L. McGinigle
Samantha D. Minc
Olamide Alabi
Caitlin W. Hicks
Andrew A. Gonzalez
Crystal W. Cené
Samuel Cykert
Corey A. Kalbaugh
August 24, 2026

Jama Network Open

Overview

This study investigates the influence of implicit racial bias among physicians on adherence to vascular care guidelines, particularly in the management of peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Background

Implicit racial bias can contribute to health disparities by affecting clinical decision-making. Evidence linking this bias to patient treatment and outcomes is limited, particularly in real-world clinical environments. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing disparities in care for conditions like peripheral artery disease, where documented racial disparities exist.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data was provided in the source material.

Key Findings

Implicit bias among physicians may lead to disparities in treatment for Black patients with peripheral artery disease.
Physicians with implicit bias favoring White individuals were more likely to perform low-value infrapopliteal revascularization in Black patients.
High-quality clinical guidelines may help reduce cognitive load and implicit bias effects in decision-making.
There is a need for research in high-stress clinical settings to better understand the impact of implicit bias on treatment disparities.
Adherence to guideline-directed practices may not be significantly influenced by physician implicit bias.

Clinical Implications

Further research is needed to explore the relationship between implicit bias and treatment disparities in high-stress clinical environments.

Conclusion

Addressing implicit racial bias in healthcare is essential for improving treatment equity, particularly in vascular care. Continued investigation into the relationship between bias and clinical decision-making is warranted.